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Tuskegee Airman, 4th Edition

The Biography of Charles E. McGee

Air Force Fighter Combat

Record Holder

Charlene E, McGee Smith

edited by

Adolph Caso

Published in eBook format by Branden Books

Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com

ISBN-13: 978-0-8283-2285-0

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Smith Charlene E. McGee.

Tuskegee airman : the biography of Charles E. McGee, Air Force fighter combat record holder / by Charlene E. McGee Smith.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.

ISBN 0828320462 (alk. paper.) (Cloth edition)

ISBN 0828321868, ISBN 0780828321860 (Hard edition)

1. McGee, Charles E., 1919- .

2. World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American.

3. World War, 1939-1945--Participation, Afro-American

4. Korean War, 1950-1953--Participation, Afro-American.

5. Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975--Participation,

Afro-American.

6. United States. Army Air Forces--Biography.

7. United States. Air Force--Biography.

8. Afro-American air pilots--Biography.

I. Title.

D790.S5676 1999

951.904'248'092--dc--21 99-18279

[b]CIP

For Mom,

who kept the home fire burning,

and Bill,

who completes me.

Acknowledgments

The contribution of family, friends and associates to Dad’s story is living testimony of their high regard for him. I am grateful for the role each played in bringing his biography to life. Many sent stories and provided anecdotes from times they shared with him. Some included photos and news clippings as well. However incorporated, every offering added to my insight, understanding and ability to convey events in their fullest sense.

Special acknowledgment goes to my sister, Yvonne, and son, Damon, whose critical eye and editorial comments were invaluable. She challenged me to be specific, provide perspective and hold high standards for quality, and he counseled me to stay focused and tuned to my inner voice.

In the editing department, thanks also go to Theodore W. Robinson, a Tuskegee Airmen and former editor with the Smithsonian Institution, who helped keep aviation facts in context, Louise Mohr for her keen proofreading skill, and my brother Ron, who brought my word processing capabilities into the modern era. Ron joined Dad, Yvonne and me for a week long edit session in October, 1997, after which the project gained direction and momentum.

I appreciate the aid of Gillian Berckowitz, Senior Editor of the Ohio University (O.U.) Press, who offered pointers to help me navigate in the unfamiliar territory of commercial publishing; Gary Kirksey, Assistant Professor in the O.U. School for Visual Communication, for Dad’s studio portrait and other photographic assistance; Dr. Hubertus L. Bloemer, Chair of Geography and Director of the Cartographic Center at O.U., who provided maps for chapters on military campaigns; and

Harvey McCormick, Tuskegee Airman and longtime friend of Dad, for his assistance with indexing.

While this work was in creation, perhaps the greatest sacrifice was made by William and my youngest daughter, Charon, who gave up wife and mother more often than they would have liked. Thanks for loving me enough to make many sacrifices throughout the three years it took to complete this adventure.

The final outcome, this biography of Charles E. McGee, distinguished aviator and American patriot, is possible because of all who assisted. Through their time and effort, Dad’s example will reach and inspire a wider circle of people, enriching them as it has those of us fortunate enough to have known and journeyed with him.

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